Ashley Lande, an artist and writer, shares her fascinating journey from atheism to Christianity, largely influenced by her experiences with psychedelics. She recounts a terrifying encounter with what she believes was Satan, which ultimately led her to find faith in Jesus. The discussion dives into the complex relationship between psychedelic experiences and spirituality, the struggle with feelings of emptiness, and the tension between the highs of transcendence and the challenges of reality. Ashley also reflects on the duality of psychedelics in both artistic expression and personal discovery.
The podcast explores how the allure of psychedelics, championed by figures like Elon Musk and Joe Rogan, is increasingly linked to the quest for spiritual enlightenment.
Ashley Lande's transformative journey highlights the transition from seeking transcendence through psychedelics to finding true meaning and hope in Christianity.
Deep dives
The Rise of Psychedelics and Their Spiritual Appeal
The podcast discusses the increasing popularity of psychedelic substances among influential figures like Elon Musk and Joe Rogan, who advocate for their potential to unlock spiritual experiences. Guests share personal narratives, like that of Ashley Landy, who describes her journey from atheism to seeking transcendence through psychedelics. These substances, she claims, create a thin veil between everyday life and a profound universe filled with untapped possibilities. The allure of psychedelics is framed not merely as a recreational activity but as a quest for deeper meaning and enlightenment.
Disconnection from Reality and Adverse Experiences
As Ashley recounts her frequent reliance on psychedelics for spiritual exploration, she highlights a troubling disconnection from reality. The cyclical nature of her trips, meant to provide enlightenment, leads instead to experiencing terror and anxiety, culminating in encounters she believes to be demonic. This descent into darkness serves as a turning point, making her question the value and safety of pursuing such highs. She acknowledges that the exhilarating chase for spiritual meaning began to fade, revealing the less appealing, harsher realities of drug use.
Transformative Encounters and Reassessing Beliefs
A pivotal moment in Ashley's narrative is her heartbreaking experience with a friend's tragic loss, which shakes her faith in the new age philosophies she once embraced. Witnessing the strength of her friend's faith during this loss prompts Ashley to reflect on her own beliefs and the lack of true meaning in her psychedelic experiences. This confrontation with mortality instills a deep desire for a belief system that can provide hope in the face of suffering. It leads her to reconsider Christianity as a viable source of truth amidst the chaos of her previous worldview.
The Journey to Faith and Healing
Ashley eventually embraces Christianity, finding that it addresses the deeper questions and longings her psychedelic journeys failed to fulfill. Her journey toward faith involves the relinquishment of her previous reliance on drugs as a means to uncover truth, ultimately recognizing Jesus as the embodiment of love and salvation. This transition reflects a desire to seek a more profound, stable source of meaning rather than fleeting highs provided by substances. In the end, her story illustrates a path from searching for transcendence in psychedelics to discovering lasting fulfillment in faith.
The use of psychedelic drugs is on the rise with outspoken proponents like tech giant Elon Musk and popular podcaster Joe Rogan. On this episode, Maybe God guest host Justin Brierley talks to artist, writer, and former atheist Ashley Lande about her years-long journey seeking meaning and transcendence through psychedelics. Ashley describes a terrifying encounter with a being who she believes was Satan that eventually led her to Jesus.